Fall is one of the most beautiful times to explore the outdoors in Pennsylvania, and there’s no better way than an old-fashioned train ride, so all aboard! Sit back, grab your camera, and enjoy the fall views ahead.

From anywhere in-state, wine aficionados are less than an hour’s drive from at least one of more than 200 Pennsylvania wineries, many of which are smaller, family-owned establishments. Pennsylvania’s 14 self-guided wine trails allow (very) Happy Travelers to sip their way through vineyard-clustered areas at their own pace. Lodging options abound, so stick around after you indulge!

Hollabaugh Bros. Inc. Fruit Farm & Market, a family-owned-and-operated farm, has grown fruits and vegetables on 500 acres for over 50 years. Head to their farm and retail market this fall to pick your own apples, enjoy scheduled tours of the farm, and drool over their fresh-baked pies and dumplings.

With a past that dates back to the early 1600s, Pennsylvania teems with historic sites known for paranormal activity and unexplained happenings. Check out these spooky locales, where you’ll discover fascinating history – and possibly a ghostly encounter.

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Whether you’re headed to Williamsport for the International League World Series, want to support a local minor league team, or looking for a great day at the ballpark with the family, we’ve got something for you. So grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and cheer on your favorite team!

Randyland, located in the Mexican War Streets district of Pittsburgh’s North Side, is one of the city’s most colorful and Instagrammable landmarks, and offers unique insight into the mind of its artist and owner, Randy Gilson. Randyland welcomes visitors to explore the public art displays in and around the property between 10AM and dusk. Admission is free to the public.

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From anywhere in-state, wine aficionados are less than an hour’s drive from at least one of more than 200 Pennsylvania wineries, many of which are smaller, family-owned establishments. Pennsylvania’s 14 self-guided wine trails allow (very) Happy Travelers to sip their way through vineyard-clustered areas at their own pace. Lodging options abound, so stick around after you indulge!
1. Lake Erie Wine Country (22 wineries)
Lake Erie Wine Trail is approximately 50 miles long and runs along 30,000 acres of vineyards along Lake Erie in Pennsylvania. Eleven of their 22 wineries can be found in Pennsylvania. Those with time constraints appreciate the closeness of the trail’s wineries, which produce everything from ice and fruit varieties to specialty wines like brandies and ports. Don’t have all day? Use the handy Trip Planner to select which wineries you want to visit and receive detailed directions to each. If you can’t decide on just a few, check out Lake Erie’s Harvest Celebration Nov. 3-5, where you can enjoy delicious food and wine sampling at all 22 wineries. While you’re in the area, you can’t miss Presque Isle State Park – offering seven miles of sandy beaches along Lake Erie, hiking and biking trails, fishing and more.
2. Southwest Passage Wine Trail (8 wineries)
Eight wineries in the Laurel Highlands, make up the scenic Southwest Passage Wine Trail. The cooler climate and higher elevations in this region helps cold-hardy hybrids native grapes thrive in the shale-based soils. You can expect to find varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet, Franc, Vidal, and Chambourcin. Along the way, explore the mountains and valleys of southwestern Pennsylvania — and before you leave, we recommend a stop at destinations like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and the stunning Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
3. Groundhog Wine Trail (17 wineries)
Beyond its adorable namesake, the Groundhog Wine Trail spans multiple counties and takes visitors to 17 wineries accented by the unique beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds and surrounding regions. Mix up your tastings with a brisk hike in the Allegheny National Forest, or make a pit stop in one of the many charming towns along the way. If it’s panoramic views you’re after, take a stroll on the Kinzua Sky Walk, a railroad bridge that towers 225 feet above the valley floor and was the world’s longest, highest bridge at the time of its construction. And you’re looking for the eponymous groundhog on this trail, don’t worry — every January, the region hosts a Groundhog Day Wine Festival — featuring a visit from Punxsutawney Phil himself!
4. Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail (16 wineries)
Producers of copious award-winning wines of all varieties, the 16 participating wineries along the Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail enjoy a favorable climate for growing native and hybrid grapes, as well as more delicate grape varieties. The wineries also produce delicious fruit wines, including offerings infused with apple, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, cantaloupe, elderberry, peach, and rhubarb. Spanning from just north of Harrisburg to State College, there is plenty to see and do along the way. Take an ice cream break at Penn State’s Berkey Creamery, or fawn over the foliage along the Seven Mountains in Juniata Valley. Celebrate spring and leave winter behind at A Ticket to Good Taste and Adventure, the trail’s annual celebration in March.
5. Uncork PA Great Outdoors (20 stops)
This trail is home to a unique variety of wineries, breweries, and even a distillery (the only one in the world that makes real moonshine by hand from local corn to bottle!), offering tastes to please any palate. Take in the gorgeous scenery of the PA Great Outdoors, like at Cook Forest, rated one of America’s top 50 state parks. You may even catch a glimpse of elk in the wild! Make sure you don’t miss one of their well-known events this fall.
6. Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country (15 wineries)
Fifteen family-owned, award-winning wineries make up the Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country Trail, producing more than 250 handcrafted selections of whites, reds, and blushes. Take advantage of the trail’s proximity to the attraction-rich cities of Hershey (Hersheypark, anyone?), Harrisburg (a tour of the Capitol building is a must), and Lancaster (you won’t regret stopping for a meal at Luca).
7. Mason-Dixon Wine Trail (17 stops)
Seventeen stops dot the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail, which boasts a mix of established vineyards and emerging vintners. Many tasting rooms are housed in rustic and historical properties, spanning from York County, into Maryland. Wineries offer festivals, concerts and events throughout the year. Come for the trail’s two signature events – Tour de Tanks, held weekends in March and offering tours and tastings from a tank or a barrel, and Wine Just Off the Vine, held on two weekends in November and celebrating the just-pressed harvest. Make a weekend of it and spend some time of York, the Factory Tour of the World, and see the inner workings of Harley-Davidson, Snyder’s of Hanover and more.
8. Sweet Arrow Wine Trail (3 wineries)
Just outside the state capital and separated by five miles of mostly country road along the banks of the Swatara Creek watershed, the Sweet Arrow Wine Trail provides guests with the opportunity to explore the trail’s three wineries at a relaxing pace. Sundays on the trail feature tastings, food and dessert pairings, live music, and family-friendly activities. Not far away, check out downtown Harrisburg’s restaurant scene, shopping and art boutiques. You’ll also want to venture to the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum in Hershey.
9. Pocono Wine Trail (7 wineries)
Nestled throughout the beautiful Pocono Mountains are seven family-owned vineyards and wineries that make up the Pocono Wine Trail. On this trail, wine lovers can explore the unique and original tastes the region has to offer while surrounded by one of the state’s most beautiful natural settings. While in the Pocono Mountains, don’t forget to explore the region — from hiking, skiing, and snowboarding to specialty shops and spas.
10. Lehigh Valley Wine Trail (8 wineries)
Eight wineries populate this wine trail in Lehigh Valley. Sample award-winning wines made with Chambourcin (such as rosé, semi-sweet, sweet, dry barrel-aged, sparkling, and port),Lehigh Valley’s signature grape and the only grape grown by all member wineries. The Chambourcin red grape is so powerful in the Lehigh Valley that it covers a total of 40 acres and is crafted into approximately 150,000 bottles each year. This region has also brought home the Governor’s Cup for Pennsylvania’s best wine in nine of the last 10 years. Visit nearby Bethlehem for a stop in a rejuvenated city full of history, art and culture – and the world’s oldest bookstore, Moravian Book Shop.
11. Berks County Wine Trail (11 wineries)
The trail of wineries lining the countryside landscape of greater Berks County now features eleven wineries, offering a stunning backdrop for wine tasting. From sparkling and sweet dessert wines to dry table wines, the county’s fertile soil lends itself to a variety of styles — and attracts visitors from far and wide. Plan ahead to visit one of their popular events, and, along the way, make sure to head over to one of Reading’s famous covered bridges and take in the beauty of The Pagoda.
12. Brandywine Wine Trail (6 wineries)
A favorite of Philadelphians, the Brandywine Wine Trail in Chester County includes six wineries located within a 50-mile radius. Stay for the weekend and visit a few wineries per day, make sure to leave time to see nearby sights such as Longwood Gardens, Brandywine River Museum, Brandywine Battlefield Park and Kennett Square, “the Mushroom Capital of the World”.
13. Bucks County Wine Trail (7 wineries)
Bucks County Wine Trail’s seven participating wineries are located just minutes apart in the Delaware Valley, where visitors can also see historic highlights like Washington Cross Historic Park and Pennsbury Manor, the estate of Pennsylvania founder William Penn. If you find yourself there in mid-October, join the fun at the trail’s annual Harvest Celebration.
14. Montgomery County Wine Trail (4 wineries)
Branding itself as bold and different, the Montgomery County Wine Trail’s four wineries offer unique and satisfying experiences. In addition to traditional varieties, this trail offers wines you may never have tried before — like meads, ciders, and even veggie wines. You can also create your own custom wine. The trail also intersects with the Bucks County Wine Trail, so wine lovers can easily add seven additional stops to their journey. Not far from the trail is the famed King of Prussia Mall – or if history is your style, check out Valley Forge National Historical Park.
To learn more about Pennsylvania’s wine trails, visit pennsylvaniawine.com, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great trip ideas and places to visit around our state.

This article was previously published by the Pennsylvania Winery Association. Find PA wineries, wine trails, events, and more at PennsylvaniaWine.com.
Grapes can be fickle when it comes to wines. Any vintner worth his or her salt will tell you that what you need to grow great grapes is the proper vine in the right terroir. Wineries in Pennsylvania are making great vintages from the ground up, by learning about the land they’re growing on and planting accordingly.
Pennsylvania’s growing conditions vary greatly across the state, and have a big influence on the wines from each area. Eastern Pennsylvania has low elevations near the Delaware River and the Eastern Coastline. The western part of the state touches the Ohio River Valley and the southern tip of Lake Erie. In the middle are the Appalachian Mountains. And with so many climates across the state, it’s easy to see why many different wine grapes flourish in Pennsylvania.
So which grapes grow well in the Keystone State? In general, white grape varietals enjoy great success. Watch for wines made with Gewürztraminer and Riesling. These vitis vinifera, or European varieties, do well in the southeast’s loamy slopes that offer good sun exposure, drainage and airflow. Hearty and disease-resistant hybrid Vidal Blanc flourishes across all Pennsylvania’s terroir. The same goes for red grape varietals that prefer a shorter growing season, such as vitis vinifera Cabernet Franc and Merlot. French-American hybrids like Dechaunac and Traminette are also becoming popular because of how well they grow in southeastern exposures. Getting out on the wine trail and chatting with local vintners about what they’re growing is the quickest way to find out which local wines you need to taste. Your next favorite could be a sip away!
Beyond elevation and weather, soil also plays a crucial role in grape growing. Drainage, the type of soil and the topography must all be assessed. Pennsylvania’s mix of silt, loam and clay type soils make it diverse. Pennsylvania soils tend to have a higher acidity as well, presenting specific challenges.
When wineries have assessed the land and soil, and picked out the best grape varietals for their area, they still have to plant the vines—and this goes way past “plant in full sun.” Vineyards like Penns Woods Winery in Chadds Ford plant their vines in a north-south orientation with a 10-degree angle. These kinds of exacting specifications create optimal growing conditions for great grapes and superb wine.
It’s this kind of attention to detail that has garnered national and international acclaim at wine competitions. With success comes growth—Pennsylvania now boasts over 200 wineries, with more opening all the time.
Still, it’s important for more wine drinkers to begin to understand the charms of Pennsylvania wines. Gino Razzi, winemaker at Penns Woods Winery, notes, “As an industry, we must classify Pennsylvania wines within their categories like the French do—sort the profiles for the consumer and educate them on the wine that they are tasting—to distinguish the sweet from the dry and everything in between.” As Razzi proposes, classifying Pennsylvania wines will help set expectations for what style is meant to be appreciated, allowing for the true quality of the grapes to shine through.
In addition to highlighting wine profiles for the public, sometimes winemakers have to push past their own palate preferences to coax the best wine from the grapes. As Bonnie Pysher of Franklin Hill Vineyards says, “For every wine I make, there’s somebody who likes it. So I have to do the best job I can to make that the best wine. I think it’s really hard for somebody who really likes dry, robust red wines to make a sweet, fruity Concord that the public likes.” Just as the best restaurants must focus on every plate, wineries must focus on every bottle in their portfolio.
So what’s your favorite Pennsylvania wine grape? Head over to your local store so you can try some whites, reds and rosé wines to find out!
The Pennsylvania Winery Association is a trade association representing more than 100 member wineries and an advocate on behalf of the state’s growing multibillion-dollar wine industry. With some of the most fertile grape-growing land on the East Coast, Pennsylvania ranks fifth nationally in the amount of grapes grown, seventh in wine production, and seventh in the number of licensed wineries. To learn more about Pennsylvania wine, visit PennsylvaniaWine.com.
—Nathan Greenwood

This article was previously published by the Pennsylvania Winery Association. Find PA wineries, wine trails, events, and more at PennsylvaniaWine.com.
Sometimes, the best things are made right in your own backyard. Did you know Pennsylvania is the fifth-largest grape-growing region in the country? Dedicated vintners at wineries across the commonwealth are making award-winning bottles with Pennsylvania-grown grapes. The next time you’re shopping for everyday meals (or special occasions), add Pennsylvania wineries to the places you frequent, along with local farms, dairies and breweries.
Buying local wines lets you indulge in and discover new flavors while you support the small-town economy—including creative artisans and regional agriculture. Winemakers in Pennsylvania are pushing the boundaries of winemaking techniques with new grape varietals and cutting-edge yeasts.This innovation is crafting a host of unique flavors and styles such as Lemberger (a black-skinned grape originally from Germany), with bold notes of ripe black cherries, blackberries and red currant plus a touch of spice; Grüner Veltliner (a white wine grape from Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic), a crisp, dry white with flavors of lime and grapefruit marked with good acidity and minerality; and Chambourcin (a red-skinned French-American hybrid), a complex, earthy red wine with notes of pomegranate, black pepper and sage for slight spice at the finish. That’s just a sampling of what you’ll find at Pennsylvania wineries.
Visiting your local winery means more than tasting award-winning wines. You get to meet the people behind the brands and engage in new experiences. Pennsylvania wineries offer simple wine-tasting tutorials for the beginner and reserve tastings for seasoned oenophiles; special events like yoga, concerts, car shows, food truck festivals and artisan showcases; picnic space; and at some wineries, markets filled with local foods.
Your visit also supports an agricultural tradition that goes all the way back to 1683 when William Penn planted the first vineyard in Philadelphia, in what is now Fairmount Park. Check out your local wine trail to find great vineyards and winemakers near you. With 14 wine trails across the state, and more than 200 wineries, there’s no shortage of impressive destinations to visit within an easy drive.
Even if you can’t make it out to the winery, you’ll be able to find Pennsylvania wines in your local Fine Wine and Good Spirits store. Visit these links to find Pennsylvania-made white, red and sparkling wines near you.
The Pennsylvania Winery Association is a trade association representing more than 100 member wineries and an advocate on behalf of the state’s growing multibillion-dollar wine industry. With some of the most fertile grape-growing land on the East Coast, Pennsylvania ranks fifth nationally in the amount of grapes grown, seventh in wine production, and seventh in the number of licensed wineries. To learn more about Pennsylvania wine, visit PennsylvaniaWine.com.
—Nathan Greenwood

This article was previously published by the Pennsylvania Winery Association. Find PA wineries, wine trails, events, and more at PennsylvaniaWine.com.
Did you know that Pennsylvania is home to more than 200 wineries and the fifth-largest grower of grapes in the nation?
Pennsylvania may not be the first wine region that pops into your head when pondering prospects for embarking on a wine-tasting adventure, but it really should be on the top of every wine lover’s list. Why is Pennsylvania the perfect place for tasting wine? Check out all of the reasons below:
1. Diverse Wine Regions
With six different regions and 14 different wine trails to explore, wine enthusiasts can get a glimpse of varying growing conditions throughout the state. From the mountainous Pocono Trail to the Groundhog Trail that takes you on an adventure through the Allegheny National Forest, beautiful Pennsylvania is home to hills, valleys, streams, lakes, pastures and more.
2. Variety is the Spice of Life
Pennsylvania has approximately 14,000 acres of some of the most fertile grape-growing land on the East Coast. Those 14,000 acres are home to more than two dozen grape varieties that flourish throughout the state’s diverse climate and soil conditions. Pennsylvania wines are made from native grapes like the Niagara and Concord; hybrids such as Traminette and Chambourcin; and European varieties like Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. There is no shortage of varieties of wines to taste while out on the trail.
3. Meet and Support Your Local Winemakers
Pennsylvania is home to many accomplished winemakers who are happy to share their knowledge with you when you visit. Head to Landenberg’s Paradocx Vineyard and Winery and get to know winemaster Gabriel Rubilar, who came to the Chester County winery via Argentina. Or travel to Pennsylvania gem Nissley Vineyards in Bainbridge and get to know vintner Jennifer Wampler. Wherever your wine travels take you along the PA Wine Trail, you’ll be sure to taste great wine while learning about the process of going from grape to glass.
4. Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Many wineries offer events that pair wine with the great outdoors. Cycle and Sip along the Bucks County Wine Trail, hike the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania in the PA Wilds or participate in Yoga in the Vineyard while visiting the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail.
5. Be a Part of History
Wine has been produced in Pennsylvania since William Penn planted the first vineyard in Philadelphia back in 1683. Consider visiting the Rose Bank Winery, which features a 1719 manor house and 1835 barn with sweeping views of lush pastures of grazing sheep, or Grace Winery’s renovated 1750s bank barn along The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. Explore the Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail and meet up with a member of the Masser family from Beniga’s Creek Winery—the family has been growing grapes and making wine dating back to the 1500s. Wherever you visit, there is bound to be a story that highlights the history of the land, the experience of the winemaker or the background of the structures that grace the vineyard. Pull up a chair, sip on some wine, relax and take a listen.
The Pennsylvania Winery Association is a trade association representing more than 100 member wineries and an advocate on behalf of the state’s growing multibillion-dollar wine industry. With some of the most fertile grape-growing land on the East Coast, Pennsylvania ranks fifth nationally in the amount of grapes grown, seventh in wine production, and seventh in the number of licensed wineries. To learn more about Pennsylvania wine, visit PennsylvaniaWine.com.
—Ronna Dewey

September marks the beginning of fall, and in Pennsylvania, that means it’s festival season! Whether it’s celebrating a specific food, culture, or location, we have a festival where you can pursue your happiness.
From the annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival welcoming more than 25,000 visitors to local Oktoberfest celebrations toasting German culture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re anxious to start celebrating the harvest season, head to Washington and Greene Counties for their annual Covered Bridge Festival!
To see a full list of the events and festivals happening this month, check out visitPA.com.
1. Pittsburgh Irish Festival
Pittsburgh Irish Festival
Celebrate Irish history and tradition in Pittsburgh with this “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” festival. The Pittsburgh Irish Festival draws more than 25,000 visitors each year to learn about the Irish culture through Celtic dance, music, literature, and other cultural mainstays.
When: Sept. 8-10
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Prices range from $5-15
2. Sandyvale Wine Festival
Sandyvale Wine Festival
The Sandyvale Wine Festival is on Sept. 9 at Sandyvale Memorial Gardens. Enjoy 16 of the best wineries in Pennsylvania, grab a bite from our gourmet food vendors, and shop at more than 20 of the most unique vendors around.
When: Sept.9
Where: Johnstown
Cost: $25
3. 50’s Fest & Car Cruise
Waynesburg 50’s Fest & Car Cruise
Bring the family for a day full of retro fun with dance contests, bubblegum blowing, and Hula Hoop contests at the 16th annual 50’s Fest & Car Cruise. More than 150 classic vehicles line the streets of historic downtown Waynesburg, including a wide assortment of hot rods, street rods, rat rods, and other classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.
When: Sept. 9
Where: Waynesburg
Cost: Free
4. Lucas Oil Mega Pull
Lucas Oil Mega Pull
Enjoy a showcase of extreme vehicles and talented pulling drivers of the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League’s Champions Tour at the 20th annual Lucas Oil Mega Pull at the Greene County Fairgrounds. Classes include Hot Rod Semis, Unlimited Super Stock Tractors, Super Farm Tractors, and Super Stock Diesel Trucks. Gates open at 4 p.m.
When: Sept. 9
Where: Waynesburg
Cost: $20 per person
5. Gettysburg Wine and Music Festival
Gettysburg Wine and Music Festival
Enjoy a beautiful fall weekend of delicious food and wine at the 13th Annual Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival. Sip exquisite wines from more than 20 PA Wineries while listening to a variety of live music. Doors open at noon.
When: Sept. 9-10
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: $30 for a two-day pass, $20 for an advance one-day pass, $25 at gate, $12 for designated drivers.
6. 27th Annual Harvest Picnic
27th Annual Harvest Picnic
There is something for everyone at the 27th Annual Harvest Family Picnic. Enjoy wine samples, free food, face painting, and balloons. Additional case discounts will be available all weekend. The picnic will be held from noon to 5 p.m.
When: Sept. 10
Where: Conneaut Lake
Cost: Free
7. O17 – Opera Philadelphia’s new festival
O17 – Opera Philadelphia’s new festival
The Described by Opera News as “a groundbreaking new festival format,” O17 is Opera Philadelphia’s inaugural fall festival: seven operatic happenings staged over the course of twelve days in six venues across the city. On Sept. 23, Opera on the Mall is a free, big-screen HD broadcast performance from Opera Philadelphia. Bring chairs, a blanket and a picnic dinner for an alfresco evening filled with beautiful live music on Philadelphia’s historic Independence Mall.
When: Sept. 14-25
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: Ticket prices vary
8. Silk Screen Asian American Film Festival
Silk Screen Asian American Film Festival
Silk Screen Film Festival celebrates Asian arts in the Pittsburgh region, spotlighting diversity and the Asian American experience through film. This year’s festival showcases films from India, Japan, China, Turkey, Lebanon, South Korea, Iraq, the Philippines, and Iran at various venues throughout Pittsburgh.
When: Sept. 15-24
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Ticket prices vary
9. OktoBEARfest
OktoBEARfest
The Philadelphia Zoo knows a thing or two about great beer festivals and now they’re brewing with excitement over their newest wild event, OktoBEARfest. During this evening event, sample 100 different beers from over 45 different breweries, enjoy a selection of Philly’s best food trucks serving pay-as-you-go selections to pair with your favorite brews, and stroll through the gardens to see your favorite animals, enjoy live music and play games.
When: Sept. 16
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: $55 for general admission ticket
10. 3rd Annual Beaver Wine Festival
This relatively new festival addition is held in the charming heart of downtown Beaver, providing a beautiful setting to explore while you sip with its many boutique shops and fine eateries. This year’s festival will host 15 of Pennsylvania’s best wineries, local food trucks, and talented musicians.
When: Sept. 16
Where: Beaver
Cost: $24
11. World War II Weekend
World War II Weekend
Watch living history volunteers present programs on World War II weapons and equipment, communications, the life of the common soldier, and more in support of paratrooper operations. Dozens of World War II jeeps and trucks will be on display, and visitors can watch a re-enactment of an Army Air Force bomber squadron mission briefing. The encampment will be open at 9 a.m.
Where: Sept. 16-17
Where: Eisenhower National Historic Sire
Cost: $9.00 for adults, $5.00 for children (ages 6-12), free for children 6 and under
12. DC Vet Homecoming Weekend
DC Vet Homecoming Weekend
Celebrate motocross heritage and the memory of “Big Dave” with friends old and new at the 27th annual DC Vet Homecoming at High Point Raceway. Racers and spectators will enjoy the wide range of classes for all skill levels, including special vintage contests and movies.
When: Sept. 16-17
Where: Mt. Morris
Cost: Prices range from $10 to $40
13. Washington & Greene Counties’ Covered Bridge Festival
Washington & Greene Counties’ Covered Bridge Festival
Held the third weekend of September each year, the Washington & Greene Counties’ Covered Bridge Festival kicks off the fall festival season! Each of the 10 festival locations offers a charming atmosphere and an array of activities, including handmade arts and crafts, homestyle food, historic re-enactments, demonstrations, children’s activities, and live entertainment.
When: Sept. 16-17
Where: 10 locations in Washington & Greene County
Cost: Free
14. Flashlight Drags
Flashlight Drags
Street racing without the jail time!The Flashlight Drags features a car show, car cruise, vendors’ midway, music, food, fun, and much more, making a great event the entire family can enjoy. Gates open at noon, and racing begins at 2p.m. All vehicles must be street legal.
When: Sept. 17
Where: Waynesburg
Cost: $35 to race, $8 for spectators
15. Stone to Steel: Native American Heritage Weekend
Step back 2,000 years in the past to experience pre-contact native life in southwestern PA at the Greene County Historical Museum for Native American Heritage Weekend. A temporary Native American village housing over a dozen re-enactors will be demonstrating different aspects of Native life, from cooking and hunting to beadwork and shoe-making. Gates open at 10 a.m.
When: Sept. 23-24
Where: Waynesburg
Cost: $10 per person
16. Annual New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival
Annual New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival
Located in the historic river town of New Hope PA, known for its arts community, this event features over 160 fine artists and craftsmen who will exhibit using media such as oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, works in wood, wearable art, glass art, photography, and more.
When: Sept. 23-24
Where: New Hope
Cost: $1 per person
17. Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival
Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival
A hometown staple, Pittsburgh is famous for its pierogis. Head to Kennywood Park Sept. 24 to try pierogis from more than two dozen restaurants, chefs, and other pierogi peddlers at the Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival. Your ticket also gives you access to Kennywood’s classic rides like the Merry-Go-Round, local live music, and the Pierogi Market place.
When: Sept. 24
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Prices range from $12 to $24
18. Tussey Mountain Oktoberfest
It costs a lot of money and takes a bit of time to travel to Munich, so Tussey Mountain in Boalsburg decided to bring the fun back home and host their own version of OktoberFest with the Tussey Mountain Oktoberfest. This event will feature authentic food, beer, and music to the Tussey Mountain Amphitheater!
When: Sept. 29
Where: Boalsburg
Cost: $15
19. Eensburg PotatoFest
Eensburg PotatoFest
The Ebensburg PotatoFest celebrates Cambria County potatoes and their growers, and for good reason: the county is the second-largest supplier of potatoes in the state. The festival is a fun-filled day of arts, crafts, entertainment, and food for the entire family. More than 200 crafters and artisans will line the streets for blocks with homemade wares and food of all kinds.
When: Sept. 30
Where: Ebensburg
Cost: Free
20. Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall
Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall
Greene County Salute to Veterans is bringing the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to southwestern PA. The Traveling Memorial is a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC that stands as a reminder of the great sacrifice made during the Vietnam War while promoting healing and friendship. Open 24 hours daily.
When: Sept. 28-Oct. 1
Where: Waynesburg
Cost: Free
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Be sure to also sign up for our monthly newsletter to never miss a travel idea!
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Hollabaugh Bros. Inc. Fruit Farm & Market, a family-owned-and-operated farm, has grown fruits and vegetables on 500 acres for over 50 years. Head to their farm and retail market this fall to pick your own apples, enjoy scheduled tours of the farm, and drool over their fresh-baked pies and dumplings.
Paulus Farm Market
Paulus Farm Market in Mechanicsburg is great for finding that perfect pumpkin while offering entertainment for the kids! Fall on the farm marks the opening of the Fall Fun Fort, where families can enjoy tons of farm-themed play areas, including hay rides and pick-your-own pumpkins. Families can even visit and feed the barnyard animals.
Boyer Nurseries and Orchards is a five-generation comprehensive garden center/fruit market selling fresh fruits in season. Make sure you stop by this fall for pick-your-own favorites like apples, as well as other in-season fruit like plums and pears. They also sell a variety of fruit baskets, cheese, preserves, and other food products.
Cherry Hill Orchards is the largest pick-your-own fruit farm and farmers market in Lancaster County. During the fall season, gather your own “harvest” of apples, pumpkins, and more, and ride along on their orchard hayride and hand-pick your favorite pumpkin!
Strawberry Acres
Photo Credit: Discover Lehigh Valley
Stock up on your favorite fall treats in Lehigh Valley’s Strawberry Acres, where you’ll find rows and rows of apple trees primed for picking. Plan an outing at one of their many fall events that include evening hayrides, pony rides, and scarecrow making. Browse the farm stand for delicious apple cider, baked goods, and more, or make your way to Grim’s Orchard & Family Farms for their annual Fall Festival. Find the perfect pumpkin just waiting to be your next jack-o’-lantern!
Rodale Institute invites families to pick apples at its Annual Organic Apple Picking Festival on Sept. 16. In addition to apple picking, visitors can shop organic vendors, enjoy organic food and beverages, listen to live music, go on wagon tours, launch apples with the rotten apple rocket, and visit the kids zone.
Apple Castle
Apple Castle in New Wilmington is a sixth-generation family farm located in the heart of Western Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. For more than 150 years, the family has been providing quality apples to all. Come out to the farm to pick your own apples, sweet corn, rhubarb, asparagus, pumpkins, and more. Don’t leave without tasting the apple cider!
Head to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site in Elverson, where you can pick apples September through October. In addition to learning about Hopewell’s fascinating history, you can pick apples in the park's historic orchard for only $1 per pound. The apples include historic varieties not commonly found in today's modern orchards – plus the fruit is pesticide free.
To learn more about pick-your-own orchards in PA, check out visitPA.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.

1. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Lehigh George Scenic Railway
Ride the rails on a vintage coach built as early as 1917 from historic Jim Thorpe into the colorful, scenic views of the Lehigh Gorge State Park on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway The narrated 70-minute, 16-mile round-trip ride follows the majestic Lehigh River over bridges, through Glen Onoko, and into the Lehigh Gorge State Park.
2. Colebrookdale Railroad
Colebrookdale Railroad
Ride the Colebrookdale Railroad, and view the vibrant colors of fall in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. The railroad offers excursions through the mythical Secret Valley in a beautifully restored, Civil War-era train. Opt for the Secret Valley Explorer Open Car, perfect for a hayride-on-rails as you sit back and enjoy the two-hour journey, departing and arriving in Boyertown. Or, hop on the night-time Bonfire Train to the lost iron-making village of Colebrookedale. Warm your hands by the fire and enjoy fall snacks. Kids in costume can even enter a costume content on-board!
3. Lake Shore Express
Lake Shore Express
Photo Credit: Sam Botts
All aboard the Tioga Central Railroad’s Lake Shore Express in Wellsboro, as you’ll enjoy gorgeous fall views of Lake Hammond and the Tioga County countryside on this 1.5-hour trip.
4. Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad
Board the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad fall foliage ride October 1-22 for a three-hour, round-trip excursion through the Oil Heritage Region. Reserve your tickets today before they are sold out! Take to the tracks on Oct. 27-29 to view fall foliage on the Bellefonte Historical Railroad. Immerse yourself in autumn’s finest views on an 1889 Bellefonte passenger train as it rides past Spring Creek and Bald Eagle Valley. Tickets are on sale now and are first-come, first-served!
5. Steam into History
Steam into History: Northern Central Railway
On Oct. 7, Steam into History in New Freedom as you board the Pumpkin Ride. Visit the guest shop prior to the ride, and decorate a pumpkin mask as you board this entertaining train ride and listen to Halloween stories while taking in colorful fall views. Then, travel to Seitzland to pick up your own pumpkin!
6. Rockhill Trolley Museum
Rockyhill Trolley Museum
Oct. 7-8, head to the Rockhill Trolley Museum in Rockhill Furnace for its biggest event of the year, the Fall Spectacular. Go back in time on a vintage trolley only available to the public once a year while taking in views of fall. Ticket prices for the whole weekend are $15 for adults and $10 for children.
7. Steamtown National Historic Site
Steamtown National Historic Site
Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton offers a seasonal series of weekly short train rides around Scranton (the “Scranton Limited”) and special excursions to destinations like Gouldsboro, East Stroudsburg, and the Delaware Water Gap. On some Sundays, the “Scranton Limited” transforms into the “Nay Aug Gorge Limited,” with an expanded ride east to the 755-foot Nay Aug Tunnel. Experience northeastern PA’s brilliant fall foliage at its peak and immerse yourself in Pennsylvania railroad history!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.

With a past that dates back to the early 1600s, Pennsylvania teems with historic sites known for paranormal activity and unexplained happenings. Check out these spooky locales, where you’ll discover fascinating history – and possibly a ghostly encounter.
Used as shelter for Confederate sharpshooters and a makeshift hospital after the Battle of Gettysburg, the Farnsworth House Inn is touted as one of the most haunted places in America. Stay in the historic bed-and-breakfast and choose from a variety of spooky experiences, including ghost hunts and guided walks through cemeteries, hospitals, and battle sites.
Old Jail Museum
In 1877, seven members of the Molly Maguires, a secret union of Irish coal miners, were imprisoned and executed at Jim Thorpe’s Old Jail Museum. Wander to cell 17 in the preserved building, where a Molly Maguire left a dirty handprint before his hanging as a declaration of innocence (mysteriously visible after the wall was washed, painted, and plastered).
Tour Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park to gain insight into the area’s American Indian and pioneer folklore, including the story of a Seneca Indian maiden named Nita-nee who fell in love with a French trapper named Malachi Boyer. Forbidden to marry, the couple ran away and were captured, and Malachi was thrown into Penn’s Cave to perish.
The eerie Early American Room in the Cathedral of Learning, the educational tower that looms over the University of Pittsburgh, is known for mysterious activity, including shifting furniture and objects, cold spots, and randomly flaring candles.
The uncovered testimony of a teenage girl claims the ghost of Issac Mishler haunts historic Altoona’s Mishler Theatre. Madeline Letsche befriended the founder of the theater when her mother, Laura, would help with theatre productions. Over the years, many stage crew members, actors, office workers and visitors have heard, seen, and even felt Issac Mishler’s presence. So, if you head to the theatre for a showing, you may just get more of a performance than you bargained for.
An American Indian named Harthegig, who mysteriously disappeared from the area in the late 1790s, is rumored to haunt Hell’s Hollow Wildlife Adventure Trail. Listen for moans, screams, and laughter at Spirit Falls, named by visitors who’ve experienced the otherworldly sounds.
Haunted Hill View Manor
Photo Credit: Martin Lee Sipe Jr.
Visitors to New Castle’s Haunted Hill View Manor report hearing voices and footsteps, and seeing numerous apparitions, including patients peeking out of rooms, a young boy, and a man who offers to take guests’ photos for $1. The facility, which operated from 1926 to 2004 as a home for the mentally ill, elderly, and financially destitute, is now open for tours.
Jean Bonnet Tavern, which has welcomed travelers to Bedford since 1762, is an excellent place to satisfy your appetite for delicious eats and paranormal activity. Guests and staff members report feeling touched when no one is around, seeing a strange man’s apparition at the bar after hours, and hearing doors open and close on their own.
Lingering spirits of past prisoners seemingly haunt the cellblocks of Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. The nearly 200-year-old National Historic Landmark offers daytime tours, or brave souls can sign up for Terror Behind the Walls, the penitentiary’s nighttime haunted house.
The 1741 Hotel Bethlehem is the hangout of many friendly ghosts, including a 1800s stage star who sings and dances for guests in the lobby, a welcoming Bethlehem tour guide who greets guests in the boiler room, and a former landlady who appears without shoes or stockings.
Ghost Tours
Learn about peculiar occurrences and untimely deaths at Erie’s 1920s-era train depot during Union Station’s Haunted History Tours.
Take the Ghost Tour of Lancaster for shiver-worthy stories of “otherworldly vigils, fatal curses and star-crossed lovers.”
Follow the lantern light and keep your eyes peeled for a phantom hitchhiker and the ghost of 1700s-era politician Aaron Burr during Ghost Tours of New Hope.
Explore haunted locales like Allegheny County Jail and William Penn Hotel on the Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour, where the Steel City’s salty past comes to life.
Haunted Houses in PA
Bates Motel, Glen Mills
Field of Screams, Mountville
Reaper’s Revenge, Scranton
Huston’s Haunted Hollow, Rockwood
The Haunted Acres, Sidman
The Temple of Terror, Pottstown
Lulu’s House of Horrors, Plymouth Meeting
13 Levels of Fear, Conneaut Lake Park
The Hegarty Mansion, Beccaria
Ghosts and Goblins Tours at Lincoln Caverns, Huntingdon
Hell’s Hollow Haunt, Mercer
Jason’s Woods, Lancaster
Pennhurst Asylum, Spring City
ScareHouse, Pittsburgh
Not-So-Spooky Family Events & Attractions
HallowBoo at Idlewild Park and SoakZone, Ligonier
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place®, Langhorne
ZooBoo at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Not-Too-Scary Night-Time Hayrides at Paul’s Pumpkin Patch, Fairmount City
Knoebels Spooky Amusement Resort, Elysburg
Boo! at the Zoo at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, Halifax
The Pumpkin House at Creekside Gardens, Tunkhannock
Hersheypark in the Dark, Hershey
Happy Hauntings at Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster
Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown
To learn more about haunted attractions in PA, check out visitPA.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.

This Lenape Indian game of chance is just one of the many examples of Pennsylvania treasures found at The State Museum of Pennsylvania.
This version was created by the late Lenape descendant James (Lone Bear) Revey. Revey created many of The State Museum of Pennsylvania’s Lenape reproductions, including the William Penn Wampum belt.
Materials:
This game can have 2-6 players.
What you will need:
7 Lima Beans per player
24 Pieces of Yellow Popcorn per player
Permanent marker
Color The Lima Beans:
Before you begin, color one side of each of the lima beans.
Play The Game:
Each Player takes a turn shaking the 7 lima bean dice.
1 Black Bean = give 1 piece of corn to each player
2 Black Beans = give 2 pieces of corn to each player
3 Black Beans = give 3 pieces of corn to each player
4 Black Beans = give 4 pieces of corn to each player
5 Black Beans = each player gives you 2 pieces of corn
6 Black Beans = each player gives you 4 pieces of corn
7 Black Beans = each player gives you 10 pieces of corn
If you have 5, 6 or 7 black beans than you can shake again, if not then the next player takes a turn.
Play until one player has all the corn and that person is the winner!
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Whether you’re headed to Williamsport for the International League World Series, want to support a local minor league team, or looking for a great day at the ballpark with the family, we’ve got something for you. So grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and cheer on your favorite team!
1. Little League World Series
Every year, the top 16 Little League baseball teams from more than 6,000 leagues across the country gather in Williamsport to compete for the World Series Championship title at the annual International Little League World Series! Enjoy watching some of the most talented teams play this year Aug. 17-27. Want to explore while you’re not at a game? Celebrate Little League Baseball at the World of Little League®: Peter J. McGovern Museum in Williamsport! The recently updated museum and store are designed around a six-inning theme, and feature artifacts and archival materials from the world’s largest organized youth sports program. Baseball lovers can take a self-guided tour complete with a catcher’s station and home plate, or book a group tour in advance.
2. PONY Baseball
PONY Baseball, which stands for Protect Our Nation's Youth, began in Washington, Pennsylvania in the summer of 1951. Today, PONY organizes youth baseball and softball leagues and tournaments for over 500,000 players annually in over 4,000 leagues throughout the United States and over 40 countries world-wide. The 2017 DICK'S Sporting Goods PONY League World Series will be played in Washington on Aug. 11 – 16. In between games, fans can visit the PONY Baseball and Softball International Headquarters, where guests will be delighted by everything from game-used uniforms, to baseballs, photographs and more – the history of the PONY League World Series is enshrined right here.
3. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Oink, oink! The Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are celebrating their 10th season at Coca-Cola Park. Bring along your appetite for countless bacon-centric goodies, plus the famous Aw Shucks corn on the cob!
4. The Reading Fightin Phils
The Reading Fightin Phils play at FirstEnergy® Stadium, the oldest stadium in the Eastern League. The Fightin Phils have one of the longest affiliations in Minor League Baseball™.
5. The Altoona Curve
Altoona was built around railroading, and the Altoona Curve has not forgotten that! This Double-A Pittsburgh Pirates-affiliated team was named after the curveball pitch and is sure to provide a fun night of baseball! Join them on Aug. 25th for a special Back to School night where the first 1,000 fans 12 and under will receive a Curve lunch box.
6. The Erie SeaWolves
Erie Seawolves
Photo Credit: Visit Erie
The Erie SeaWolves are the Double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. The SeaWolves, named after a slang term for pirates, play 70 home games a season at Erie’s UPMC Park.
7. The Harrisburg Senators
Located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s state capital, the Harrisburg Senators step up to the plate at FNB Field. Enjoy a great game of baseball while also hanging out with the team’s friendly mascots, Rascal and Grrrrounder! On Aug. 19, the Senators will be promoting their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night with a free pink Senators jersey for the first 1,000 fans.
8. The National Museum of Industrial History
The National Museum of Industrial History
Experience the history of baseball at the National Museum of Industrial History's newest exhibit, “Making America’s Pastime.” The exhibit features iconic memorabilia, including uniforms worn by Bethlehem Steel League players dating back a century, and an interactive section where you can spell out your last name on a jersey!
9. BWP Bat Factory Tours
BWP Bat Factory Tours
Get an up-close look at the famous bats used by your favorite players on the BWP Bat Factory Tours in Brookville! Each bat is made from local timber and goes through a seven-step, hands-on quality inspection process that provides the highest quality bat for all levels of play.
10. The Williamsport Crosscutters
The Williamsport Crosscutters, named for the city’s prominent logging heritage that dubbed it “Lumber Capital of the World,” play at Susquehanna Bank Park at Historic Bowman Field — the second-oldest minor league stadium operation in the United States. Since the park’s opening in 1926, the Crosscutters have brought and continue to bring great baseball and entertainment to fans.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state

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From anywhere in-state, wine aficionados are less than an hour’s drive from at least one of more than 200 Pennsylvania wineries, many of which are smaller, family-owned establishments. Pennsylvania’s 14 self-guided wine trails allow (very...

This article was previously published by the Pennsylvania Winery Association. Find PA wineries, wine trails, events, and more at PennsylvaniaWine.com.
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This article was previously published by the Pennsylvania Winery Association. Find PA wineries, wine trails, events, and more at PennsylvaniaWine.com.
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With a past that dates back to the early 1600s, Pennsylvania teems with historic sites known for paranormal activity and unexplained happenings. Check out these spooky locales, where you’ll discover fascinating history – and possibly a ghostly encounter.
Used as shelter for Confederate sharpshooters and a makeshift hospital after the Battle of Gettysburg, the Farnsworth House Inn is touted as one of the most haunted places in America. Stay in the historic bed-and-breakfast and choose from a variety of spooky experiences, including ghost hunts and guided walks through cemeteries, hospitals, and battle sites.
Old Jail Museum
In 1877, seven members of the Molly Maguires, a secret union of Irish coal miners, were imprisoned and executed at Jim Thorpe’s Old Jail Museum. Wander to cell 17 in the preserved building, where a Molly Maguire left a dirty handprint before his hanging as a declaration of innocence (mysteriously visible after the wall was washed, painted, and plastered).
Tour Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park to gain insight into the area’s American Indian and pioneer folklore, including the story of a Seneca Indian maiden named Nita-nee who fell in love with a French trapper named Malachi Boyer. Forbidden to marry, the couple ran away and were captured, and Malachi was thrown into Penn’s Cave to perish.
The eerie Early American Room in the Cathedral of Learning, the educational tower that looms over the University of Pittsburgh, is known for mysterious activity, including shifting furniture and objects, cold spots, and randomly flaring candles.
The uncovered testimony of a teenage girl claims the ghost of Issac Mishler haunts historic Altoona’s Mishler Theatre. Madeline Letsche befriended the founder of the theater when her mother, Laura, would help with theatre productions. Over the years, many stage crew members, actors, office workers and visitors have heard, seen, and even felt Issac Mishler’s presence. So, if you head to the theatre for a showing, you may just get more of a performance than you bargained for.
An American Indian named Harthegig, who mysteriously disappeared from the area in the late 1790s, is rumored to haunt Hell’s Hollow Wildlife Adventure Trail. Listen for moans, screams, and laughter at Spirit Falls, named by visitors who’ve experienced the otherworldly sounds.
Haunted Hill View Manor
Photo Credit: Martin Lee Sipe Jr.
Visitors to New Castle’s Haunted Hill View Manor report hearing voices and footsteps, and seeing numerous apparitions, including patients peeking out of rooms, a young boy, and a man who offers to take guests’ photos for $1. The facility, which operated from 1926 to 2004 as a home for the mentally ill, elderly, and financially destitute, is now open for tours.
Jean Bonnet Tavern, which has welcomed travelers to Bedford since 1762, is an excellent place to satisfy your appetite for delicious eats and paranormal activity. Guests and staff members report feeling touched when no one is around, seeing a strange man’s apparition at the bar after hours, and hearing doors open and close on their own.
Lingering spirits of past prisoners seemingly haunt the cellblocks of Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. The nearly 200-year-old National Historic Landmark offers daytime tours, or brave souls can sign up for Terror Behind the Walls, the penitentiary’s nighttime haunted house.
The 1741 Hotel Bethlehem is the hangout of many friendly ghosts, including a 1800s stage star who sings and dances for guests in the lobby, a welcoming Bethlehem tour guide who greets guests in the boiler room, and a former landlady who appears without shoes or stockings.
Ghost Tours
Learn about peculiar occurrences and untimely deaths at Erie’s 1920s-era train depot during Union Station’s Haunted History Tours.
Take the Ghost Tour of Lancaster for shiver-worthy stories of “otherworldly vigils, fatal curses and star-crossed lovers.”
Follow the lantern light and keep your eyes peeled for a phantom hitchhiker and the ghost of 1700s-era politician Aaron Burr during Ghost Tours of New Hope.
Explore haunted locales like Allegheny County Jail and William Penn Hotel on the Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour, where the Steel City’s salty past comes to life.
Haunted Houses in PA
Bates Motel, Glen Mills
Field of Screams, Mountville
Reaper’s Revenge, Scranton
Huston’s Haunted Hollow, Rockwood
The Haunted Acres, Sidman
The Temple of Terror, Pottstown
Lulu’s House of Horrors, Plymouth Meeting
13 Levels of Fear, Conneaut Lake Park
The Hegarty Mansion, Beccaria
Ghosts and Goblins Tours at Lincoln Caverns, Huntingdon
Hell’s Hollow Haunt, Mercer
Jason’s Woods, Lancaster
Pennhurst Asylum, Spring City
ScareHouse, Pittsburgh
Not-So-Spooky Family Events & Attractions
HallowBoo at Idlewild Park and SoakZone, Ligonier
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place®, Langhorne
ZooBoo at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Not-Too-Scary Night-Time Hayrides at Paul’s Pumpkin Patch, Fairmount City
Knoebels Spooky Amusement Resort, Elysburg
Boo! at the Zoo at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, Halifax
The Pumpkin House at Creekside Gardens, Tunkhannock
Hersheypark in the Dark, Hershey
Happy Hauntings at Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster
Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown
To learn more about haunted attractions in PA, check out visitPA.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.

Fall in Pennsylvania means towns across the state invite visitors to soak in the splendor of autumn! Celebrate this colorful season at Pennsylvania’s iconic small town festivals.
To find even more events that are happening around the state, check out the visitPA events page.
Mother Earth News Fair
Vendors at the Mother Earth News Fair showcase their organic local produce
Mother Earth News Fair is held from Sept. 15-17 in the Laurel Highlands and features dozens of demonstrations on renewable energy, agriculture, gardening, green building, green transportation, and natural health. Come to learn how to reduce your carbon footprint, shop for sustainable products, and enjoy organic local food and beverages.
The Hotel Hershey Wine & Food Festival
The Hotel Hershey Wine & Food Festival
The Hotel Hershey Wine & Food Festival is back this year — with even more wine and tasting options! From Sept. 15-17, this festival gives visitors the option to choose from seven different experiences all tailored to fuel the passion for fine wine and delicious flavors. Enjoy everything from a comedy show Friday evening, a vineyard tour on Saturday, the Grand Tasting on Sunday, and more! Grab your friends and family and head to The Hotel Hershey’s Wine & Food Festival this fall.
WineFest
Wine lovers should head to WineFest in Erie on Sept. 22-24 to sample 100 different wines! You can also enjoy the sounds of entertainers, try your luck at grape stomping, and meander through hundreds of exhibitor tents.
Ebensburg PotatoFest
Enjoy all things potato at the Ebensburg PotatoFest on Sept. 30, celebrating one of Cambria County's biggest agricultural exports. Children can enter potato sack races and potato-peeling contests, as well as a Miss Tater/Mr. Tot competition. More than 200 crafters and artisans line the streets for blocks with homemade wares and food of all kinds. Live entertainment, a myriad of crafts, good food (including potatoes!), bingo and face painting are just a few of the fun activities.
The Pittsburgh Pierogi Fest
The Pittsburgh Pierogi Fest
Photo Credit: Kurt Miller
If you love pierogis, then head to the Pittsburgh Pierogi Fest on Sept. 24 at Kennywood Park! This festival gives visitors the opportunity to try pierogis from more than two dozen restaurants and chefs!
Autumn Leaf Festival
The nine-day international award-winning Autumn Leaf Festival is Sept. 30-Oct. 8, and will attract more than 500,000 people to Clarion in northwestern PA. Events and entertainment include carnival rides, the renowned Clarion Hospital “tournament of leaves parade,” crafters day, an antique tractor show, and much more!
The Autumn Timber Festival
Lumberjack competitions are just one element
that you will see at the Autumn Timber Festival
The Autumn Timber Festival is Oct. 7-8 and showcases the beautiful fall foliage season in the Pocono Mountains, featuring lumberjack competitions, blacksmith demonstrations, chainsaw sculptures, live music, children’s activities, and more.
43rd Annual Harvest Festival
Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is celebrating their 43rd Annual Harvest Festival Oct. 7-8! The 2017 theme is "The Forgotten Arts and Crafts," and will showcase traditional skills and heritage craft demonstrations such as spinning, weaving, yarn dyeing, basket making, and much more. There will also be folk entertainment, country food, pumpkin decorating, and pony rides.
Bedford Fall Foliage Festival
Celebrating its 53rd year, the Bedford Fall Foliage Festival, Oct. 7-8, 14-15, is organized entirely by volunteers and draws an estimated 70,000 attendees annually. Visitors can browse the work of more than 400 artists and craftsmen lining the streets and the square in Bedford and enjoy food and musical entertainment. Celebrating the essence of the season, the festival hosts two murder mystery evenings at Old Bedford Village. In Fort Bedford Park, scarecrow making and the antique car parade are just a few of the activities that make this event so special.
The National Apple Harvest Festival
The National Apple Harvest Festival
The National Apple Harvest Festival, which is held in Adams County during the first full two weekends in Oct. (Oct. 7-8 and Oct. 14-15), celebrates beautiful crafts, great music and wonderful food. The festival has something for everyone with hundreds of arts and craft dealers, demonstrations, contests, food stands and entertainment.
Elk Mountain Fall Festival and Artists Open House Weekend
Elk Mountain Fall Festival and Artists Open House Weekend take place over Columbus Day Weekend each year and offer a weekend full of fall activity surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Northeastern Pennsylvania. So bring your friends and family and celebrate the fall season Oct. 10-11 with entertainment and harvest favorites!
Fort Ligonier Days
Fort Ligonier Days
Experience live reenactments at Fort Ligonier Days in the Laurel Highlands Oct. 13-15! This three-day fall festival commemorates the Battle of Fort Ligonier, a key engagement of the French and Indian War that was fought on Oct. 12, 1758. In addition to reenactments, visitors can experience the parade, live music, demonstrations, and several craft lots.
Chambourcin Weekend
Vynecrest Winery
Photo Credit: Colin Coleman Photogrpahy
Fall is for foodies in Lehigh Valley! Wine lovers won’t want to miss the chance to explore the nine family-owned & operated locations along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail during its annual Chambourcin Weekend Oct. 14-15. All nine wineries produce a Chambourcin wine, giving guests the chance to sample several varieties throughout their tours.
The Pocono Food Truck Festival
The Pocono Food Truck Festival
The Pocono Food Truck Festival Oct. 14-15 is home to the best food trucks, art, crafts and live music in the region. The festival features over 25 food trucks from the Pocono Mountains, Lehigh Valley, New Jersey, New York City, and Philadelphia. Festival attendees will also get a chance to cast their vote for the best food truck!
Harry Potter Festival
Have you ever wondered what Butter Beer really tastes like or how it feels to stroll up and down Diagon Alley in search of various wizardry items? Have you wanted to don the Sorting Hat to find out which house you were destined for or better yet, to watch someone catch the Golden Snitch in a high stakes Quidditch match? If so, wonder no more and plan to attend Chestnut Hill’s Annual Harry Potter Weekend on Oct. 19-21 in Philadelphia!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.

As you explore these caves and cavers in Pennsylvania, you’ll discover glittering stalagmites and stalactites among other hidden treasures!
Indian Echo Caverns
Partake in an underground adventure that’s more than 440 million years old at Indian Echo Caverns in Hummelstown. The 45-minute guided tour uncovers the natural underground beauty of the Hershey-Harrisburg region and offers a glimpse into rooms of natural spectacles, including stalactites, stalagmites, and even a lake. After the tour, try your luck at panning for gemstones, amethyst, jasper, calcite, and other precious treasures at Gem Mill Junction.
Penn’s Cave
Explore the stalactites by boat in Penn’s Cave.
Penn’s Cave in Centre Hall is the only cave in Pennsylvania on the National Register of Historic Places and the only one you explore by boat. The cave features glittering stalactites and stalagmites, often in mysteriously familiar shapes, such as “The Statue of Liberty” and “The Garden of the Gods.” See how dripping water has sculpted magnificent flowstone, curtains, cascades, and draperies against a background of pillars and gigantic columns.
Lost River Caverns
In the Lehigh Valley, Lost River Caverns was discovered when miners were developing a limestone quarry. Experience the wonder of abundant crystal formations at this natural limestone cavern.
Laurel Caverns
A natural calcareous sandstone cave, Laurel Caverns is a three-mile labyrinth whose ceilings ranging10-50 feet in height. The largest cave in Pennsylvania, Laurel Caverns is in Farmington and sits beneath a private, 435-acre geological preserve.
Crystal Cave
Discovered in 1871, Crystal Cave in Kutztown soon became a source of curiosity for people near and far. Crystal Cave was the first show cave in Pennsylvania, as well as the state’s first tourist attraction. Guided tours lead the curious through an array of spectacular, milky-white stalactites, stalagmites, and pillar and dripstone formations — all enhanced by indirect lighting. Concrete walks and steel railings ensure a safe descent 125 feet underground.
Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks
Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks
Experience a one-hour interpretive tour of two spectacular crystal caverns in Huntingdon at Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks. A wide variety of speleothems (cave formations) — including delicate crystals, sparkling stalactites, and massive flowstones — wait around every turn!
Coral Caverns
Experience the only known fossilized coral reef cavern in existence at Coral Caverns in Manns Choice, Bedford County. You’ll cool down from the summer heat as you discover an abundance of fossils, stalactites, and stalagmites. The famed caverns have amazed thousands for more than 80 years with the diversity and beauty of its natural cave formations.
Check out some other underworld experiences in Pennsylvania that will continue to fascinate you. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.

With countless trails carving through the mountains and woodlands, hikers can embark on a new journey through a variety of terrains – all while enjoying one-of-a-kind scenic views of the Keystone State. Whether you prefer to hike, bike, bird watch, or sightsee, here are some amazing trails that will leave you breathless.
Hike:
1. Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, spanning 2,190 miles from Maine to Georgia. Approximately 229 miles traverse through long, flat and rocky ridges of Pennsylvania. The trails along the southern portion of the state offer some of the easiest walking on the entire Appalachian Trail, while the northern two-thirds include steep descents into rivers and gaps. Hikers can begin and end their trips at hundreds of destinations along the way, including Appalachian Trail communities in Boiling Springs, Duncannon, the Greater Waynesboro Area and the Delaware Water Gap. Another must-see stop on the Pennsylvania stretch of the trail is the Appalachian Trail Museum. Situated in a 200-year-old grist mill at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, the museum in Gardners, Pa., is the only museum in the country dedicated to hiking. The museum also marks the halfway point of the trail and holds a special tradition for “thru-hikers” as they take on the Half Gallon Ice Cream Challenge.
2. Schuylkill River Trail
The Schuylkill River Trail is a multi-use trail in Southeastern Pennsylvania with a projected length of almost 130 miles between Philadelphia and Pottsville. There are currently over 60 miles complete in sections, including a 30-plus mile stretch from Philadelphia to Parkerford. From there, cyclists can follow a 20-mile signed on-road route to Hamburg. In Hamburg, trail users can access a scenic seven-mile stretch to Auburn in Schuylkill County. The trail is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, exercise or commute.
3. The Great Shamokin Path
Tracing a section of the abandoned Rural Valley Railroad corridor, the Great Shamokin Path parallels the Cowanshannock Creek for 3.5 miles. Once a major trail that connected the two largest Native American towns in Pennsylvania, hikers can walk along the trail for views of western Pennsylvania.
4. Lehigh Gorge State Park
Located in a deep gorge near Jim Thorpe, Lehigh Gorge State Park is characterized by lush vegetation, steep rock outcroppings and cascading waterfalls. These waterfalls are the prime attraction of the trail to Glen Onoko Falls, one of the state’s most challenging yet rewarding hikes. While the trail is perfect for advanced hikers, there is an alternate route that is more easily accessible for less experienced visitors. The trail gets its name from the Onoko Falls, a 60-foot waterfall, but there are many other breathtaking falls to experience both before and after them along the trial, including the Hidden Sweet Falls at the top of the loop.
5. Standing Stone Trail
The Standing Stone Trail is a hiking trail stretching 84 miles through Fulton, Huntingdon and Mifflin counties; the trail traverses central Pennsylvania ridges and valleys from Cowans Gap State Park in the south, to Rothrock State Forest’s Detweiler Natural Area and the Mid-State Trail in the north. It was also named the state’s 2016 Trail of the Year. Standing Stone Trail is part of the 1,600-mile Great Eastern Trail, which starts at Flagg Mountain, Ala., and extends to the Finger Lakes Trail in New York. More than 80 percent of the trail traverses state owned forest and Pa. Game Commission game lands. The popular Thousand Steps portion of the trail is located near Mount Union.
Bike:
6. Pine Creek Rail Trail
Take a trip on the Pine Creek Rail Trail – recognized as one of the “10 Best Places to Take a Bike Tour” by USA Today. This historic 62-mile path, once used to transport freight by train from Wellsboro to Williamsport, is also perfect for a relaxing hike. The trail has a small grade, only around 2 percent, and runs mostly uphill. Even equestrians can join the fun with a section of the trail designed specifically for horses.
7. The Allegrippis Trails
Allegrippis Trails, AELandes Huntingdon County VB.
With endless combinations of routes and more than 30 miles of single track trails, the Allegrippis Trails at Raystown Lake are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all hiking levels. Adventure lovers will enjoy a challenging trek with stunning views of Raystown Lake and local wildlife. At nearby Trough Creek State Park, be sure to hike your way to Balanced Rock, a boulder that has hung on the side of a cliff for thousands of years – and Rainbow Falls, a waterfall along the footpath leading to Balanced Rock.
8. D&H Trail at Lehigh Gorge State Park
The varied trail surfaces and beautiful surroundings are what make the unique D&H Rail Trail a treat for any outdoor enthusiast. This 38-mile pathway stands in place of the historic Delaware and Hudson railroad, a small but vital rail line during the 1800s. The multi-use trail runs for several miles along the Lackawanna River and alternates between tree-lined sections and open stretches.
9. Heritage Rail Trail County Park
Heritage Rail Trail, York.
The 21.5-mile Heritage Rail Trail runs from the City of York to the Maryland border and includes seven railroad structures on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as an operating tourism train along 10-miles of track. This rail-to-trail was once a prime target for the Confederate Army prior to the Battle of Gettysburg. Known for its historic roots, the trail offers visitors a unique hiking experience.
10. Great Allegheny Passage
Considered to be one of the nation’s most popular rail trails, the Great Allegheny Passage begins in Pittsburgh, Pa., and crosses the border into Maryland, eventually ending in the nation’s capital. Complete from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD, the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage ® connects with the 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath to create a 335-mile non-motorized route between Pittsburgh and Washington, DC. – making it the longest unpaved path in the East Coast.
11. Montour Trail
The 63-mile multi-use Montour Trail system occupies the right of way of the former Montour Railroad and Peters Creek Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad between Coraopolis and Clairton in suburban Pittsburgh, making it one of the nation’s longest non-motorized suburban rail-trails. The Montour Trail was also recently named Pennsylvania’s 2017 Trail of the Year by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The trail connects with Pittsburgh International Airport, the Panhandle Trail, and the Great Allegheny Passage that stretches over 330 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.
12. Jakes Rocks Epic Mountain Bike Trail System
The Trails at Jakes Rocks is a purpose-built system of stack-loop mountain biking trails constructed on the Allegheny National Forest in Warren County, Northwest Pennsylvania. Phase 1 of the project was completed on August 31, 2016 with 10 miles of trail opened to the public. These trails are professionally designed and constructed to provide opportunities for all skill levels, ages and genders to enjoy peaceful, beautiful outdoor recreation and exercise.
Breathtaking Views:
13. Bushkill Falls
Buskhill Waterfalls, Poconomountains.
Bushkill Falls is located in northeastern PA and is among the Keystone State’s most iconic scenic attractions. A series of hiking trails are designed to appeal to various ages and physical conditioning that each provide breathtaking views of eight waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls, a series of three lovely falls that tumble down the mountainside. The streams feeding the falls are rated “Exceptional Value,” which are among the cleanest and most outstanding waters in all of Pennsylvania.
14. Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Enjoy the picturesque Youghiogheny River and the Laurel Mountain during a hike along this 70-mile trail. A stop at Ohiopyle State Park offers breathtaking views and waterfalls to explore. For those looking to trek the whole trail, overnight shelters can be reserved in advance.
15. Allegheny National Forest
Hikers can head to the Allegheny National Forest, the only national forest in Pennsylvania, to enjoy scenic views along more than 200 miles of trails. The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest trail in the Allegheny National Forest at 96.3 miles long, and is one of three designated National Scenic Trails in Pennsylvania. This trail takes visitors to vistas of the Allegheny Reservoir passing through rock outcroppings, open hardwoods, old growth forests and stands of hemlock.
16. Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
Nestled deep in Michaux State Forest near Chambersburg, Pine Grove Furnace State Park is a perfect spot for an outdoor adventure! Featuring four miles of looping trails, scenic overlooks and Laurel and Fuller lakes, the park’s wooded, mountainous atmosphere attracts hikers of all skill levels. The Pole Steeple Trail, the most famous in the park, is a steep, .75 mile trail that ends at the Pole Steeple Overlook, a quartzite outcropping that overlooks the entire park and the surrounding valleys.
17. Ricketts Glen State Park
A National Natural Landmark, Ricketts Glen State Park is best characterized by the Falls Trail System, a difficult, 7.2 mile trail that provides views of 22 named waterfalls. Ranging from 11 feet to the towering 94-foot Ganoga Falls, the waterfalls are each unique and provide tranquil resting stops along the rocky trail. Other trails roam through the park’s 13,000 acres, including the short Beach Trail that runs by the park’s swimming area and the Grand View Trial, which leads to the highest point on Red Rock Mountain. Each of the 26 miles of trails offers something different and are well worth the challenge.
18. Quehanna Trail
The Quehanna Trail is a 75-mile loop hiking trail in the Moshannon and Elk State Forests. The Trail passes through some of the most wild and beautiful country Pennsylvania has to offer. The main orange blazed trail begins on the western end at Parker Dam State Park. From Parker Dam the trail goes east into the Quehanna Wild Area toward Karthaus and Piper, then north toward Sinnemahoning and finally west through the Marion Brooks Natural Area back to Parker Dam.
Bird Watching:
19. Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park offers 10 miles of hiking trails that will take you through scenic views of Pennsylvania’s only seashore. These sandy trails offers hikers a glimpse at the beautiful coastline of this National Natural Landmark, known as a favorite spot for migrating birds.
20. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
Famous as the world’s first refuge for birds of prey, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary contains a network of trails designed to allow visitors to witness these incredible birds in their natural environments. Birds can be seen during the spring, summer and autumn months, but August is when the sightings begin to greatly increase. Trails are accessible to hikers of all skill levels, allowing visitors to keep their eyes in the skies as they search for birds. A total of 235 different species of birds have been sighted at the bird-watching mecca, including bald eagles, ospreys, raptors and peregrine falcons.

Spend a beautiful spring day with your family picking the most delicious fruit you’ve ever tasted at Brown’s Orchards & Farm Markets in York County. The pick-your-own season starts with strawberries in May, while summer brings blueberries and peaches before the apples of fall arrive. After leaving the orchards behind, you’ll find plenty of other fresh produce inside the market. You can even enjoy a tasty lunch or coffee at the Brown Bean Café.
Byers Blueberry Farm, Photo credit: Visit Central PA.
Byers’ Blueberry Farm in Allenwood is a family owned and operated farm specializing in the production of homegrown high bush blueberries. You can pick your own blueberries or buy them already picked to enjoy this tasty fruit of the season. You can also head to the farm stand June through early September for tasty produce throughout the season.
Way Fruit Farm has been owned by six generations of the Way family in Port Matilda. Founded when the owners received 1,000 apple trees as a wedding present in 1872, the farm now produces and sells apples, peaches, plums, pears, sweet corn, pumpkins, strawberries, cherries, blueberries and apricots. So grab a bag and head to the farm store to pick some of the freshest produce around!
Nature Works Farm & Nursery.
Don't just pick your food – savor the experience. Farms abound in and around the Amish roadside food stands of Indiana County. The weekly Farmer's Markets provide homegrown products, or pick your own in their fields. Spend a spring day at Nature Works Farm & Nursery, where you can pick seasonal produce and fresh flowers before ending the day by petting the goats at the farm!
No matter the season, stock up on plenty of fruit at Strawberry Acres in the Lehigh Valley. You’ll find pick-your-own cherries, peaches, strawberries, pears and apples to fill your kitchens with during the season – and be sure to stop by the farm market for even more goodies, including baked goods, ciders and more.
Butler County has many acres of vast farmland and a variety of dedicated working farms, making agriculture one of the county’s leading industries. Butler County's plentiful farm lands offer an abundance of places to buy locally grown produce. Fresh produce, meats, cheeses and seasonal specialties are available at farmers' markets across the county during the spring and fall months.
Check out VisitPA.com for more pick your own ideas in PA and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.

Pennsylvania is home to some weird and wacky attractions that may not be in your typical travel guide, but would be sure to blow any Happy Traveler’s mind! Your Pennsylvania bucket list just may get a facelift after you read a roundup of our top 15 favorites:
Mütter Museum gives the fearless a tour of the medical collection at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Thousands of items on display span the medical realm, from deformed and diseased body parts to pieces of Albert Einstein’s gloriously geeky brain. Filled with some impossible-to-believe specimens, the collections are still used to advance medical science today!
Pizza Lovers Unite at The Pizza Brain.
Pizza lovers unite at the Pizza Brain in Philadelphia, the world’s first pizza culture museum and shop! The eatery boasts the largest collection of pizza-related items in the world, with more than 550 artifacts in rotation — earning it a coveted Guinness World Record. Pizza Brain educates foodies about the cultural impact of the famed Italian import while serving up gas oven-fired pies to satisfy your appetite!
Let the rocks sing! Ringing Rocks Park, located in Bucks County, is the most famous of several Pennsylvania fields of igneous rock, producing variously pitched ringing sounds when hit with hammers or other rocks. Although scientists don't know exactly why the rocks sound like they do, plenty of flora, fauna, and beautiful waterfalls can be enjoyed in the approximately 100-acre area.
Get up close and personal with reptiles and amphibians at Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Allenwood, an AZA accredited zoo. Reptiland allows visitors to catch a glimpse of the less-loved members of the animal kingdom through daily feedings, where you can even touch a variety of reptile skins to feel the difference between turtles, snakes, and crocodiles!
Who doesn’t love the buttery potato rolls at Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe? Experience the early and humble beginnings of this international food giant for yourself at the Golden Roll Visitor Center in Chambersburg, featuring the original garage bakery, first delivery vehicle, interactive displays, and much more! Every free tour is customized and has a special demonstration station for kids.
Let the wind rush through your hair and the sun shine on your face as you ascend in a vintage open cockpit airplane over the Allegheny National Forest! The ride is sure to give a memorable (but safe!) experience as you soar above the forest in a fully restored 1943 Boeing Stearman.
Mister Ed's Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium.
Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium is a one-of-a-kind attraction that you do not want to miss on your trip to Gettysburg! Located just a short distance from the historic downtown, Mister Ed’s features more than 700 varieties of candy, 70 flavors of fudge and more than 12,000 elephant figurines on display. You can also grab freshly roasted peanuts to snack on as you take a walk through the gardens, or enjoy one of the special events that are hosted throughout the year.
Kraynak’s Easter Bunny Lane has been a family tradition since 1963. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind attraction and family experience at Kraynak’s Easter Bunny Lane display. Stroll through the free, 300-foot indoor avenue, and see the first blossoms of spring with lighted trees and animated figures at work and play.
The American Philatelic Society in Bellefonte is the largest nonprofit for stamp collectors in the world! The Center is located in a restored 19th-century match factory complex that’s on the National Historic Register comprising various interconnected buildings, the oldest of which were built in 1899. Visitors are welcome to tour the historic Center and see the valuable services firsthand!
The Stoogeum in Montgomery County is a unique destination that honors the kings of low-brow comedy. North America’s only permanent tribute to the comedy of Moe, Larry, and Curley (and Shemp, Joe and Curly Joe), the 100,000-item museum in Ambler covers everything from Stooge-themed memorabilia — like pinball machines and breakfast cereal — to personal items, such as Shemp Howard’s discharge papers and Larry Fine’s driver’s license.
The Big Mac Museum Restaurant.
The Big Mac Museum Restaurant in North Huntingdon plays tribute to the iconic Big Mac® with high-tech displays, hands-on exhibits, historic memorabilia, and a state-of-the-art, jungle-themed PlayPlace. Enjoy a Big Mac® and all your favorite McDonald's food as you learn how the famous sandwich came to play!
Calling all movie buffs! Get a glimpse of Megatron from the Transformers series at the Mack Truck Historical Museum in Lehigh Valley. Trucking fans can learn about how these powerful vehicles have changed over the years. And best of all? Admission to the Mack Truck Museum is FREE!
Playthings Etc. is a unique store filled with toys for all ages. Located in Butler, Playthings Etc. is shaped like a steel stealth bomber and is home to classic and futuristic toys, science kits, hobby products, educational toys, and more. Customers are encouraged to test the toys on display and participate in demonstrations that can involve anything from remote-controlled cars and unicycles to rockets and magic. With more than 3,000 toys to choose from, it’s more than just a store — it’s an out-of-this-world experience!
Step up to the bat at BWP Bats in Brookville, where you can gaze at the maple bat used by Boston Red Sox player Johnny Damon to score a 2004 World Series homerun against the St. Louis Cardinals. BWP Bats grows its own hard maple, ash, and red oak to manufacture more than 35,000 bats each year, which are used by some of the best ball players around! Baseball lovers also can take a free factory tour to catch a glimpse into how these iconic bats are made.
The Pagoda in The Americana Region.
The Americana Region’s legendary The Pagoda has greeted visitors in Pennsylvania for more than 100 years. Sitting high atop Mount Penn, the Pagoda was built to be a luxury resort, but when that wasn’t possible, a series of events enabled The City of Reading to assume ownership of the building and turn it into a tourist attraction. Today, the Pagoda still intrigues and attracts visitors who climb its seven stories for incredible views of the area.
Check out visitPA.com for more quirky attractions in PA and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.

There’s no better way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds, a hike in the Pocono Mountains or mountain biking in the Alleghenies than by camping in Pennsylvania.
Hershey Park Camping Resort
Hershey Park Camping Resort pairs the great outdoors with all of fun of “the sweetest place on earth.” The 300-site, full-service campground accommodates RVs and tents, and also has furnished log cabins. Camping resort guests receive discounted admission to HersheyPark, Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story, and have access to a complimentary shuttle bus service to HersheyPark.
Allegheny National Forest
From the rugged beauty of Kinzua Dam and the blue waters of Allegheny Reservoir to its more than 600 scenic hiking trails, Allegheny National Forest is a camper’s paradise. Ten campgrounds are available for RV and tent camping. Dewdrop, Kiasutha, Red Bridge, Tracy Ridge and Willow Bay campgrounds welcome trailers, motor homes and tents, while the five other campgrounds are only reachable by hike or boat.
Cherry Springs State Park
An astronomer’s dream, Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport boasts some of the darkest skies and brightest stars on the Eastern Seaboard. The park has 30 campsites with picnic areas and is open from April through November. Four small observation domes are available for rent at the park for serious stargazers (telescopes not included).
Pocono Mountain Resorts
Otter Lake Camp Resort in Marshalls Creek and Mountain Vista Campground in East Stroudsburg provide traditional campground experiences while keeping each member of the family entertained with activities like racquetball, basketball, tennis and swimming. For those that prefer to rest their head indoors, Mountain Springs Lake Resort in Reeders has fully furnished cabins and cottages with access to fishing and hiking on 325 acres of emerald forests.
Raystown Lake Recreation Area
Raystown Lake Recreation Area supplies a variety of lodging options, including vacation homes, houseboats, bed and breakfasts, cabins, cottages and resorts. However, some of the best experiences can be gained in the area’s intimate, tree-sheltered campgrounds, which offer close access to trails and lake activities.
Greater Reading Campgrounds
Enjoy the natural beauty of Reading with a tent, cabin or RV as your home base. Accessible to the Appalachian Trail to the north and the picturesque Amish Country to the southwest, campers can find a variety of terrain and activities to choose from in Greater Reading. Popular facilities include the Robin Hill Camping Resort in Lenhartsville, Sun Valley Campground in Bowmansville, Appalachian RV Resort and Mountain Springs Camping Resort, both located in Shartlesville.
Woodland Campground
Clearfield County, host to five private properties, offers a wide array of facilities to meet every camper’s comfort level. Woodland Campground features a cabin, RV space and tent sites, while the West Branch Susquehanna River is a favorite for canoers and kayakers.
Beaver Valley Family Campground
Offering lodging ranging from wooded and open RV and tent sites to air-conditioned cabins, the campground also has amenities that include a game room, swimming pool, and basketball courts. Beaver Valley in Ottsville is five miles from Lake Nockamixon State Park and Bucks County River Country.
More Info
Find the perfect Pennsylvania campground, cabin or cottage to get back to nature with your family this summer. If you’d prefer to simply hike through the state’s scenic spots (and spend the night in a warm, cozy bed!), our hiking listings can help you find the perfect spot to lace up your boots.
Learn more about the types of camping available in Pennsylvania.
For information on all there is to see and do outside in Pennsylvania throughout the year, check out our Pennsylvania Outdoor Adventure Guide.
For more information on the locations mentioned in the article above please visit the following websites:
Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau
The Alleghenies
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Greater Reading
Clearfield
Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau

Nothing signals the advent of autumn in Pennsylvania like the changing color of the state’s landscape, when entire forests transform into glittering displays of reds, yellows and purples. From the large-scale transformations in Allegheny National Forest and Rothrock State Forest to historical sights framed by varying shades of gold, here are a few of the best places to see fall foliage in Pennsylvania.
If you have your heart set on viewing colors from behind your windshield, check out Leaf Peepers Road Trips for a three-day itinerary that shows off our state’s best colors.
Big Pocono State Park, Upstate PA
Best viewing time: mid-October
Situated on the slopes and summit of Camelback Mountain in the Pocono Mountains, Big Pocono State is a natural viewing area for fall colors.
For the best views: Head to the park’s summit to witness autumn’s eye-catching takeover of a large area of eastern Pennsylvania and portions of New Jersey and New York.
Gettysburg National Military Park, Dutch Country Roads
Best viewing time: late October
Explore the shrine to the monumental Civil War battle in mid- to late October to see more than 1,400 monuments and memorials outlined with multicolored shrubbery.
For the best views: Take a self-guided auto tour or gain knowledge from a licensed guide, who will lead you to the best sights and help you understand the battlefield from the comfort of your own vehicle. Find more historic sites in Pennsylvania >>
Great Allegheny Passage, Laurel Highlands
Best viewing time: early October
The passage supplies nearly 150 miles of hiking and biking trails between Homestead, Pennsylvania, and Cumberland, Maryland. Hop on the trail at mile 72 in Ohiopyle to experience the autumn-activated beauty of Ohiopyle State Park.
For the best views: Join other leaf peepers during the annual Fall Foliage Ride/Walk Run in mid-October on the Great Allegheny Passage along the Youghiogheny River. Check our local events page to catch other fall happenings amid the passage’s autumn backdrop.
Washington Crossing Historic Park, Philadelphia and the Countryside
Best viewing time: late October
October is an ideal time to experience the park, which commemorates the site where General George Washington and his troops crossed the icy Delaware River in 1776. Stroll along nature trails and historic buildings to discover the history of Washington’s crossing and Taylorsville, a town founded in the nearly 1800s.
For the best views: Climb Bowman’s Hill Tower for a 14-mile view of the Delaware River area and its surrounding areas.
Kinzua Bridge State Park, Pennsylvania Wilds
Best viewing time: early to mid-October
The park is the site of the Kinzua Viaduct, formerly the world’s highest and longest railroad bridge at 301-feet tall and 2,053 feet long.
For the best views: A skywalk supplies suburb views of the Kinzua Creek Valley year-round, and the valley is most beautiful when splashed with fall colors. Plus, a glass-bottom viewing area provides a look at the remnants of the famous viaduct.
Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania Wilds
Best viewing time: early October
Known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, Pine Creek Gorge is encased by Tioga State Forest, which turns shades of red, purple and yellow in the autumn. Catch the best views of the 50-mile-long, 1,000-foot-deep gorge at Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Pont State Park.
For the best views: Drive along Pine Creek Gorge’s west rim to catch an eyeful of color and see northern Pennsylvania birds and other wildlife. Or hike the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a 60-mile route that runs through the gorgeous gorge.
Allegheny National Forest
Pennsylvania Wilds
Best viewing time: late September or early October
The national forest’s wealth of deciduous trees supply a wide array of warm reds, lively yellows and deep orange in autumn. Take a leisurely drive through the colorful forest or choose from a variety of hiking and biking trails to see the foliage up close.
For the best views: Hop on the National Longhouse Scenic Byway, a 27-mile loop through the Allegheny National Forest’s core, for postcard-worthy vistas.
Oil Region National Heritage Area
Great Lakes Region
Best viewing time: mid-October
Don’t be fooled by the region’s petroleum-centered name and heritage, Pennsylvania’s Oil Region has more than 50 miles of paved trails colliding with beautiful landscapes, which are especially scenic in the fall.
For the best views: Tour the region’s unique population of Victorian houses in to see the structures surrounded by vivid colors.
Presque Isle State Park
Great Lakes Region
Best viewing time: mid-October
The 3,200-acre sandy peninsula unites with Lake Erie, providing wonderful opportunities to for leaf peepers to catch reflections of foliage in the water.
For the best views: Step into the Tom Ridge Environmental Center for free admission to interactive exhibits and an overview of the park from a 75-foot observation tower. Then, hit the 11 miles of hiking trails for an up-close encounter of the morphing scenery.
Rothrock State Forest
The Alleghenies
Best viewing time: mid-October
Situated in the heart of Pennsylvania, the forest has tons of areas to view autumn color, including the Seven Mountains area, the shores of Raystown Lake and on its nearly 300 miles of hiking trails.
For the best views: Alan Seeger Natural Area has some of the oldest tress in the state, scenic bridges and a beautiful creek, while the overlook at the summit of Tussey Mountain pairs views of the nearby Penn State University with dazzling fall panoramas.
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
Pittsburgh & The Countryside
Best viewing time: mid-October
On the urban trail system, visitors can admire Pittsburgh’s landscape while learning about the city’s storied past through colorful interpretive signs highlighting notable historical events, areas of cultural significance and facts about native wildlife.
For the best views: Check out the Three Rivers Heritage Trail map for recommended access points to the riverside trail and see Pittsburgh’s skyline tower above red, orange and gold-infested greenery.
Delaware State Forest
Pocono Mountains
Best viewing time: mid-October
Hike or bike through the forest’s Thunder Swamp Trail System, a 45-mile network of scenic interconnected trails.
For the best views: Buckle up and take a drive on PA Route 402 through the forest for supreme views of fall foliage.
Pennsylvania Route 6
Best viewing time: mid- to late October
Designated by National Geographic as one of the most scenic drives in the United States, Route 6 takes motorists through 11 counties and stretches over 400 miles across northern Pennsylvania.
For the best views: Explore the great eateries, museums and attractions that dot the famous route like Pine Creek Gorge and Lake Erie’s coastline – all of which are enhanced with color in October.
More options for fall-foliage viewing in Pennsylvania:
Marie Antoinette Lookout (Upstate PA)
Forbes State Forest (Laurel Highlands)
Lehigh Gorge State Park (Pennsylvania Wilds)
Kings Gap State Park (Dutch Country Roads)
Elk Scenic Drive (Pennsylvania Wilds)
Delaware Water Gap (Pocono Mountains)
Additional autumn fun:
It's also the harvest season in Keystone Country, when PA produce is ripe for the pickin'. And that means farm-fresh apples from country markets, prize animals at county fairs and causal strolls through pumpkin patches. Enjoy!

Discover Pennsylvania’s Fall Foliage by Water, Air, Car or Foot. Crisp crimsons, burnt oranges, and vibrant yellows saturate Pennsylvania’s lush landscapes in the fall. Whether you’re venturing by water, air, or foot, there are
By Water:
Minutes from Hersheypark, Cocoa Kayaks of Hershey offers access to the pristine, tree-lined Swatara Creek, boasting 60 miles of gentle waters running from Pine Grove to the Susquehanna River in Middletown. Kayak along the remains of the historic Union Canal for an exclusive fall experience.
Enjoy the majestic fall foliage around Conneaut Lake as you take a ride on the Barbara J. Sternwheeler. Learn about the rich history of Pennsylvania's largest natural glacier lake, and enjoy a day out with family or fun afternoon with friends.
Relax and view vibrant colors of foliage while observing wildlife as you cruise along on the Princess or Proud Mary at Raystown Lake.
Cruise along on the Nautical Nature Pontoon Cruises operated by the Moraine Preservation Fund. This 45-passenger enclosed pontoon boat offers interpretive boat tours on Lake Arthur while you get a glimpse at the wildlife and picturesque fall foliage landscape.
Air:
Soar above the skies as you survey changing leaves from above on Hot Air Balloon Rides by the United States Hot Air Balloon Team. The balloon ride takes you above scenic Lancaster County, where you can view the vibrant patchwork colors of PA Dutch Country’s agricultural landscape.
By Foot:
Green Lake Park includes three bodies of water that stretch across more than 870 acres. Explore the 26 miles of hiking trails that offer vantage points of fall foliage and wildlife, or bring a blanket for a picnic.
Enjoy fiery foliage at one or all of Cumberland Valley’s three parks. Head to Waggoner's Gap Hawk Watch for a glimpse of the leaves and birds.
Get out and explore stunning views along some of Lehigh Valley’s unbeatable trails. The D&L National Heritage Trail passes through the region, offering scenic views along the waterfront. Take a drive along the Covered Bridge Tour for a relaxing way to admire the foliage. The drive spans approximately 50 miles and showcases no less than seven bridges.
Hike Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County, under a fall canopy of reds, oranges and yellows to enjoy the 48-acre natural area nestled within the breathtaking Laurel Ridge.
By Car:
The three counties of the Endless Mountains offer panoramic vistas highlighting fall’s brilliant and bountiful colors! Elk Mountain, the highest altitude ski resort in the state, the agricultural farmlands along the Susquehanna River near Tunkhannock, and forests viewed from High Knob Overlook in Worlds End State Park are just some of the scenic stops you will discover on one of the Leaf Peeper Road Trips listed on visitpa.com. Pick your autumn-charmed destination, and we’ve got the trip details ready for you.
For more fall attractions and events, visit www.visitpa.com and find out where PA’s fall colors are out in full force to help plan your leaf-peeping road trip.

From the American Revolution to the Industrial Revolution, Pennsylvania is a snapshot of stories and history – a tome of tales about war, religion, architecture and natural resources. Here are a few of those stories:
Architecture & Engineering
The Fort Pitt Block House in Pittsburgh’s Point State Park is all that remains of Fort Pitt, one of the largest and most elaborate British forts in North America and a key defense during the French and Indian War. The block house has stood in its same location for nearly 250 years – a witness to Pittsburgh's history as a frontier fort, large industrial center and leading modern city.
As guests walk through The Hotel Hershey, a 276-room property with a 1930s Mediterranean design, historical photos lining the walls tell the story of chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey and the town he built around the confection.
You may know it from its location between Oriental Avenue and Income Tax on a Monopoly game board, but the Reading Railroad was more than a conglomeration of railroads. The Reading Heritage Museum tells the tale of the industrial giant that helped fuel the Industrial Revolution as its lines helped transport anthracite coal, iron-making and shipbuilding materials.
Colonial Days
Tours of the reconstructed and restored Fort Ligonier war fort – high atop a commanding hilltop in the Laurel Highlands – reveals some of the world’s finest artifacts from the French and Indian War.
If you can’t make it in December to Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County for a re-enactment of George Washington’s Christmas assault on Trenton, check out the park’s new visitor center, which houses artifacts and exhibits about Washington’s midnight crossing.
Commemorate the adoption of the Articles of Confederation with a visit to historic downtown York, where the Second Continental Congress adopted this historic document uniting the 13 colonies on November 15, 1777.
Military
Explore the hallowed battlegrounds at Gettysburg National Military Park, with its visitor center and introductory films, exhibits and the 360-degree Cyclorama depicting Pickett’s Charge.
The Dobbin House Tavern, a former Underground Railroad slave hideout, overlooks the site of President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Enjoy candlelit elegance at the restaurant or stay the night at the circa-1776 home, which operates as a B&B.
PA Military Museum recounts the story of commonwealth citizens who served our country in defense of the nation. Their service is highlighted through exhibits and artifacts documented by the museum's excellent collection of vehicles, small arms and a range of other artifacts from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Natural Resources
An electric train carries passengers 1,600 feet into the mountainside at No. 9 Mine & Museum. A guided walking tour explores an underground mule-way, a miner’s hospital and the 900-foot-deep original elevator shaft, which once hauled loaded coal cars to the surface.
At its peak, the town of Bradford, near the Allegheny National Forest, delivered 93.8 percent of the nation’s oil production. Take a self-guided walking tour of the eclectic architecture constructed during the oil boom days of the late 1800s.
Learn how the discovery of anthracite coal changed the world and fueled our country’s economy in the early 19th century at the PA Anthracite Museum in Scranton.
Go down in history – 300 feet beneath the surface of the Earth – in the once abandoned but now-restored Lackawanna County Coal Mine to see where and how men and boys worked to heat a nation and fuel the conversion of our nation’s economy from agriculture to industry.
See a working reproduction steam engine pump petroleum from May to Oct. at the Drake Well Museum in Titusville, where the American oil industry was born in 1859.
Pennsylvania German Heritage
The state’s first National Historic Landmark District outside of Philly, Historic Harmony, was the first home of the German communal Harmony Society.
Step back in time and explore the practices and traditions of Pennsylvania German rural culture at Landis Valley Museum, a living history village and farm in Lancaster.
Religion
One of only 200 National Historic Landmark Districts in the country, Historic Bethlehem features the Colonial Industrial Quarter, God’s Acre cemetery, the Sun Inn and buildings of the Central Moravian Church, the city of Bethlehem, Historic Bethlehem and Moravian College.
Faithful visitors from around the world venture to a spot in the Susquehanna River in the town of Harmony in the Endless Mountains where priests Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were baptized in the river and began writing the Book of Mormon and establishing the roots of the Mormon faith.
Sports & Culture
Warner Brothers opened its first permanent theatre in 1907 – a Nickelodeon called The Cascade in New Castle. The building will reopen in 2015 with a replica of the theater and a mural depicting what life would have been like in New Castle during this era.
Foxburg is home to the oldest golf course in continuous use in the United States. The second floor of the clubhouse houses the American Golf Hall of Fame with priceless collections of clubs, photos and exhibits depicting the 400-year history of the sport.

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